Our Online Resources
AACT offers a wide range of resources to help you create, build, strengthen and grow your community theatre. All are part of our mission to Help Theatres Thrive, as we champion, inform, and connect community theatres across the U.S. and on military bases overseas.
Below is a list of the most popular resources available on our website. (*indicates a member-only resource. You must be signed into the site as an AACT member in order to access these.)
AACTList*
AACTList is an email discussion group for Organizational Members of AACT, providing an open forum for problem solving and resource sharing. Once registered, you can post comments & questions to other members of the list, and receive postings by other Organizational Members, as well. (AACTList is not available to Individual Members.)
Advocacy
Anyone can advocate for the arts and make an impact, and this page provides links to explanations of the advocate's role, how to advocate effectively (and legally) and present a clear and effective message.
EDI Resources
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are key components to help us do our best work and help ensure that every member of our community can be safe, belong, and access equal opportunity. If your theatre is committed to embedding these efforts in your work, we’ve pulled together some resources to help get you started.
Job Postings
Here you'll find announcements of theatre-related positions available in both AACT and non-AACT organizations. You may also post announcements for job openings at your own oreganization.
Making Theatre
Success requires skill, planning, communication, and good information. You’ll find help on all these here.
- Production topics include choosing a season or individual play, producing, directing, acting, publicity, stagecraft, and technical theatre.
- Running a theatre company, including governance, building audiences, bolstering fundraising, tightening finances, and solidifying relationships with boards, volunteers, communities, and colleagues.
- Starting a Theater Company (or Fine-Tuning the One You Have) provides the essential steps in establishing a company, plus developing bylaws and mission statements (samples provided), and nonprofit incorporation.
Play Contests & Other Opportunities
Here you'll find contests, theatres seeking new plays, & other resources for playwrights and theatres. You can also post information about your own play contests and related opportunities.
Resource Library*
AACT's Resource Library provides articles on a wide spectrum of topics of importance to community theatres and those who work in them. Most articles are in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format, while most forms are available in MS Word format, so you can customize them to meet your needs.
Resource Roster*
AACT's Resource Roster is committed to helping theatres find needed answers to questions about virtually all areas of theatre. We will connect you with a professional or expert in community theatre to help you get the advice you need, or may be seeking--even if it is just to get feedback and advice on the plan you currently have in place.
RoundtableS & ROUNDTABLE Archive*
AACT's online Roundtables provide members with a forum for sharing experiences, ideas, concerns, and solutions. Discussions focus on the top 4 -5 topics posed by attendees. Roundtables are streamed live, and recorded for viewing afterwards. Videos from recent Roundtables are available (you must be signed in as a member to view these). You'll find information on all our webinars below.
Spotlight Magazine & Archive*
Spotlight is the official publication of the American Association of Community Theatre, mailed to organizational & individual members, and also available to members and non-members for viewing online. Each issue features articles on a wide range of topics related to community theater management, production, governance, AACT programs and services, and more. The current issue, as well as issues from the last few years are available to all; earlier issues are available to AACT members (you must be signed in as a member to view these).
Theatre Quotes
Quotations from a wide range of theatrical perspectives, for use in newsletters, season or fundraising brochures or emails, presentations--you name it.
Theatre Terms
More than 1000 definitions of theatrical terms. Fully searchable, our glossary is helpful for technical staff, directors, actors, producers, or anyone wanting to better understand the inner workings of theatre.
Webinars
We offer three series of online presentations: Member Roundtables, Industry Connections, and Virtual Masterclasses.
- Member Roundtables are peer-to-peer, panel-based discussions available to AACT members only. Each features four to six experts sharing their insight and experience. Attendees may submit questions during or in advance. Sessions are recorded for those who cannot attend.
- Industry Connections feature resource providers who showcase their services in 30-minute presentations, streamed live to the general public—but only AACT members have the opportunity to interact with presenters. Sessions are recorded for those who cannot attend.
- Virtual Masterclasses provide in-depth 75- to 90-minute explorations of specific skills or topics, offered every month. Our presenters are experienced in their subject areas, providing you with new perspectives and vital skills.
Facebook Community Theatre Resource Group
Moderated by AACT and Broadway Media, the Community Theatre Resource Group is an additional way to connect the theatre community and share resources. It's open to anyone working or interested in community theatre.